blake918

Happy Birthday!!!!!! Enjoy Fresco's.....

A grand is cheap. 1500 sounds more like it. ← I was refering to $1k plus what I spent on parts which was about $400. ;) At any rate, JP Importz can do it for $1k with a loaner, so that's why I'm never going to do it again. Don't scare the man off! The pic looks ugly but it's not that bad once you start. I was nervous and scared before I started, but after taking off a few parts, things calm down and became straight forward. Just take your time and replace all wearing out parts. There were anxious moments here and there, but overall, it was the most comfortable and pleasureable big job that I had done on the LS, and I am looking forward to do it all over again (on my wife's) LS this summer. ← I'm not scaring anyone off; that's very nice of you to think that everything I write gets set into stone and accepted as law, but that's just not the case. Anyways, what I said was true. If just the pictures scared him, then he should just setup an appointment with his local dealer/indie now. Mark, damon, and PK are all big boys. I think they can accurately assess the situation on their own regardless of my comments. Changing the timing belt is a big job. A comfortable and pleasureable job? That's a matter of personal opinion, one which I'd disagree with. Everything is pretty straightfoward, but this is a big, grueling job; that's why dealers can get what they get for it.

I don't know if there is such a thing as a simple repair on the LS; changing the oil is even a PITA with that damn undercover with 20 screws in it. The best part is my cam/crank seals have a very, very slow ooze. All of that labor must be done over plus more. I'm going to bring it to Jason once it starts to do anything more than ooze. I wish I would have thought to do this while we were "in there." LOL....and back in one piece:

It looks great! I love that color too! B)

LOL When I took that pic, I was thinking to myself is $1k really worth all of this?? Absolutely not...to me atleast. That was my first and last timing belt change. :D

If that ruined your day, you'll contemplate suicide when you have to do it. It's a miserable job; trust me, I've done it before....no fun at all! VMF has a diy tb tutorial on lextreme.com Here's what my '95 looked like half way in:

For a '96, the changer is going to go in the upper glove box. There is a piece of wooden trim that goes across the front of the changer. I'll snap some pics for you tomorrow. ;)

Very big job. Atleast, 6-8 hours. You should do the timing belt, tensioner, idlers, and cam/crank seals while you're in there.

18-25y/o

Do tell more. I'd love to hear how this happened... <_< Steve's not the only one that's getting screwed.

I'll go take the LS out on the highway tomorrow and really pay attention to what I hear. Do you think the Mich MXV4's could have an influence on the noise? They are very high mile rated tires. I'll have to go find some other LS's to drive this weekend and compare.

I have replaced the weatherstripping on my driver's doors; it made a huge improvement, but I still think that TC is quieter(the passenger's side looks fine). It could be my imagination possibly! lol Also the Lincoln has 40k miles, and my LS has 252k, so that might have something to do with it? I just need to get a decibel-meter and see for sure. I was trying to get my cd changer out this weekend, and I took apart the glove box door for the changer(never did get it out-not enough time!), and it was stuffed with insulation...I was shocked! Also, the little trim piece in the lower glovebox that allows access to the cabin filter has an insulation backing on it. Those two things really made me scratch my head as to why the car is somewhat loud--because that is the epitome of attention to detail.

That is a remarkable deal-56k miles is practically brand new! ;) Does it have a clean title?...that deal almost sounds too good to be true! Your car is worth several thousands more than what you paid for it! ;) Welcome to the club!

From what it sounds like, you are describing the tail light malfunction light. It just means that a light is burnt/almost burnt in the rear. Nothing that would make the car unsafe to drive!

I think you are right; I've never changed those yet. ;)

That's true in some respects, but you have to remember that you aren't comparing two similar products in the least. A new Linc TC compared to a new base LS430 is about $25k different...I'm aware that the TC lists for $40+, but dealers around here are knocking $10-$13k off the stickers before the negotiation starts-ain't going to happen at Lexus. So to start, you are comparing a $30k car with a $55k car. Of course the LS will have more refined powertrain and have thicker, softer interior materials though I'd have to agree that the interior of the TC is better to look at than the LS400's(not the 430 though). TC is a lot of car for the money! The TC will have a softer, floatier ride. I've driven an '01 TC Cartier a few times, and it really is like driving a boat-turns must be taken slowly! The trunk is just rediculously large. I was always lured to these cars because they are so roomy, and I'm 6'4-280lbs; I would have definantly looked into one if I met the minimum age requirement. lol One thing that troubled me was that the TC seemed drastically quieter than my LS, and the LS has more insulation in it than Home Depot...weird. I've heard nothing but great things about the 4.6 so long as it's well kept. Take a look at what high mile TC's are fetching on ebay-it's almost rediculous(I just saw an '03 non limo with 195k miles that is up to $13k and 17 bids). Black on black with factory chrome rims makes for a really sharp looking TC. B) You should go take one for a spin and see if it's a car you'd like to add to your collection. ;)

I'd go ahead and change all of the bulbs. The malfunction light is finding low resistance in one(or more) of the lights, so even though the lights still light up, some are probably on their way out. I had this problem on my LS, and it just about drove me insane. If the malfunction light only comes on when your head lights do, then, it's probably one of the little side marker lights. Also, check your third brake light too! In the trunk jam, there should be two screw covers next to the portion of the light that is on the quarter panel...pop them off and you'll see 2 screws that hold the light housing in, and the portion that is on the trunk has a velcro trap door--then, a philips screw and the light assembly comes out. This is how it is on my '95~I'd imagine your '94 is similar if not the same. No Chilton's. Lexus does make a Service Manual that can be had on ebay for $100-$200 for the dual volume, hard copy set. Lexls.com has some other alternatives on his site.

Well said Linux!! My insurance co allows 1 speeding ticket before they start hiking the rates(I haven't used it yet!). I wonder if all ins co's are like this? True, they have nothing to physically gain, but it does undoubtedly give them a rise; that's why the vast majority of them are a$$es...they think they are better than you. If they all thought they were in as much danger as the officer you rode with, they wouldn't be risking their lives for a puny $150 cash/money order for your county's tax collector. I wouldn't do it; you wouldn't do it; no level headed person would do it. I would probably steer clear of pulling over an Escalade/H2/Impala SS sitting on dubs, but other than that, the worst they have to deal with is a rude, pi$$ed off driver more times than not. I too deserved both tickets that I have gotten, but it really chaps my a$$ to see drivers getting tickets for going 80 or 85 in a 70 when I can think of 100's and 100's of instances when I've seen Police Crown Vics come screaming by at 90 and 100+ with no lights or sirens...just abusing their authority because they can. A teacher of mine in high school is an Officer in Mississippi and was a trooper in Florida. He has told me more stories of how cops break laws than I care to know.

Sure did! ;)

I know...a little joke! And, I was actually that 'iddiot' once-I forgot to turn on the headlights. Luckily, I caught it before I got out of my neighborhood.

That light just means your headlights are on. Just another "iddiot light." ;)

Steve-o, you are the MAN!!!!!!! :D It's about time you come back! :) It's weird seeing all of these great old members that have been gone for a while popping up out of the wood work(you, Mark, who is next?)! I see you haven't lost your Photoshopping expertise either!

It will be quite reliable but don't confuse that with trouble free. Nearly all ES's will experience oil leaks(usually valve covers and cam/crank seals) and suspension problems(worn, cracked bushings usually lower control arms and/or strut rods)...I own LS and ES, and they both had suspension problems and have slow oil oozes, but the ES is more problematic. Problems with my ES in 25k miles(has 130k miles): they love engine sensors...I gone through 2 O2's, a TPS, VSV on egr, alternator, lower control arms(replaced in their entirety b/c bushings aren't available) and radiator. She's leaking oil from the valve covers and cam/crank, tranny fluid is comming from somewhere...dunno though. That's really not bad for such an old car though. Common problems with 92-96 ES's: suspension bushings(fore and aft), oil oozes/leaks, flickering needles in the gauge cluster, regular oil changes are a must, worn engine and trans mounts, and some tranny's seem to go early(a few isolated cases on here. If I remember correctly between 100k-150k miles). Look for a '94+ because it has the newer aluminium headed 3.0. I would like to tell you that service records are key on a used Lexus(a plus? absolutely. deal breaker? no), but I'd be lying. My ES was maintained by the dealer before I got it, and she's had her fair share of problems. My LS was not; the origional owner didn't even take it in for the free 30 day check, and this car doesn't skip a beat...ever. My LS has left me stranded not once (with 252k miles on it as we speak.); ES...can't say the same. What I'm getting at is, do a very, very thorough test drive and get under the car and look to see if it's leaking oil and what suspension bushings are cracked. 60k and 90k are the two big services(spark plugs and timing belt services respectively), but don't let those service stamps choose the car for you. I find that our 10 & 11 y/o Lexus have similar problems to anything else out on the road, but the level of engineering and quality that goes into these vehicles can't be matched. B)

Welcome back Mark!!! :D You had better get busy with only 85k on the clock! j/k

That's her alright(a really old pic). I think it's one of my best pictures! B) Certain angles and weather conditions either make the car look awesome or $hitty. Those pics I sent you were on an excessively sunny day which is why every blemish lit up like neon whereas this looks clear and partially sunny. It looks like that certian angle is not very far away either...weird. <_< yep thats blake's baby. his is kinda like mine...at certian angles she hides her blemishes REALLY well. Blake, is that a 92-94 ES across the street? hiding in the bushes :P Not sure if there is an aftermarket bumper steve. but the best thing to do if there isnt, is try to find a junkyard bumper that you can try it out on. then you still have yoru original if it doesnt work. FWIW, the wiring and reconfiguration fo the blikers is going to be the most expensive part fo this. a custom moutning panel possibly would need to be made. then the fenders and wiring...could get spendy. but wiring is somewhat simple. i can help you with that blake. oh, and who told your sister her accord could be in this photo?!!! :chairshot: thast the only thing ruining otherwise a PERFECT photo of your LS. ← Sooo close, it's a '96 black on tan; I think it's something about that house because the last family that lived there had his and her's LS's(93 or 94)--lucky!!! Now do this, squint and you can see my ES and the suburban in the shine on the LS! :P Damn Honda!!!! I should learn how to use Photoshop and edit it out. I would have moved it, but I don't like driving manual trans! :D I got it from my mom....that's why she has a very special automatic trans Cobra! :whistles: The wiring is the least of my worries(thanks for your offer too!)! My biggest concern would be that it's long lasting like Steve mentioned. That's a really good idea to toy around with somethings on an old bumper...sounds like something to do over the summer(watching the grass grow is starting to get old...keeps me busy for hours though!). Thanks you guys!